Lander University dean blends law, accounting and teaching to guide students

Gail Moore, JD, CPA, is shaping business education at Lander University by pairing more than 20 years in higher education with experience as a tax attorney and accountant. Her leadership role centers on internships, academic support and keeping students connected to real-world career paths.

Why it matters: - Gail Moore's mix of legal, accounting and academic experience gives Lander University students direct exposure to the kinds of skills employers want. - Her focus on internships and classroom teaching links coursework to career readiness. - Her role also shows how academic leaders can stay connected to students while managing broader program responsibilities.

What happened: - Gail Moore serves as Associate Dean of the College of Business and Technology at Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina. - She has held that leadership role for just over two years. - Moore has more than 20 years of higher education experience. - She is a licensed attorney in South Carolina and a Certified Public Accountant. - Before entering academia, Moore spent about a decade in private practice as a tax attorney. - Her legal work included advising corporate and individual clients on tax, accounting and business matters.

The details: - Moore began her academic career as an adjunct professor while still practicing professionally. - She later moved into a full-time faculty role as a Professor of Accounting. - For more than two decades, Moore has taught income tax, business law and accounting. - About 10 years ago, Moore became Internship Director. - In that role, she focuses on career readiness, professional development and experiential learning. - As Associate Dean, Moore supports students with academic progress, graduation requirements and internship placements. - Her administrative work also includes faculty support, course scheduling and instructional oversight. - Moore describes herself as a teaching dean and has made staying in the classroom a priority. - She said she values the moment when students finally understand a difficult concept. - Moore received the Distinguished Professor Award, and students nominated her for the honor. - Her professional affiliations include SCAPA, AAA and NACE.

Between the lines: - Moore's career path suggests a broader trend in business education: students may benefit most when faculty bring current, practical experience into the classroom. - Her emphasis on teaching while leading points to a leadership style built on daily contact with students, not just administration. - The article also frames balance and fulfillment as central to her message for women entering the field. - Moore says young women can build successful careers they enjoy while also making room for family and personal life.

What's next: - Moore plans to keep teaching alongside her administrative duties. - She will continue focusing on internships, student support and alignment between academic programs and workforce expectations. - Her work will remain centered on helping students gain the skills and experience they need after graduation.

The bottom line: - Gail Moore's value at Lander University comes from combining classroom teaching, academic leadership and real-world professional experience into one student-facing role.

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